The Gunners defeated a very stubborn and defensive Birmingham unit 3-0 to stay in second place in the league although Chelsea could overtake them with their game in hand.

There was a couple of half-surprises in the starting XI with Williams starting in goal, Maier and McCabe the full-backs with Williamson and Beattie at centre-back. In midfield, Little was paired with Gut as expected and Roord was in the number 10 role. Up front, the regular trio of Mead, Miedema and Foord got the nod.

The game was played as expected with Birmingham defending deep in a 9-1 system and committing quite a good number of fouls. Arsenal worked hard to go round their defence and Birmingham were extremely compact, not offering space between their lines.

The first half ended 0-0 as Kim Little missed a penalty, her low shot well saved by Hannah Hampton.

Arsenal had to wait until the second half to find the opener which came from an excellent Katie McCabe cross to the far post that was expertly converted by Caitlin Foord.

https://twitter.com/BarclaysFAWSL/status/1335605384367595521

Then came an exceptional second goal in its conception and realization. A typical goal, the Arsenal way.

One touch football of the highest standard:

⚠️ Beware of the triangles ⚠️@ArsenalWFC two goals to the good now thanks to @JillRoordNL!#BarclaysFAWSL pic.twitter.com/TRJJLxorEx

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) December 6, 2020

Kim Little found the net from a penalty to close the game:

https://twitter.com/BarclaysFAWSL/status/1335613212046213120

It was a deserved win that keeps the Gunners in the hunt for a Champions League place and the title. With United one point ahead and Chelsea two points behind, but with a game in hand, it means the next league game away to City is crucial and no defeat can be allowed.